Advantages of Synthetic Diesel Engine Oils in Modern Engines

Hundreds of individual inventions, advances, and innovations have helped get the diesel engine where it is today, from direct injection to Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and DEF. However, one of the most notable developments has been the development of synthetic engine oils and industrial lubricants. 

This Mansfield Service Partners article explains the development and advantages of synthetic diesel engine oils and industrial lubricants for modern engines. 

When Synthetic Diesel Engine Oils Were Developed and Why

The evolution of synthetic diesel engine oils is a tale of innovation, science, and the dogged pursuit of ever-greater efficiency and performance. Beginning in the early 20th century, synthetic motor oils for diesel engines were primarily developed in parallel with synthetic industrial lubes for gasoline engines and other machinery. 

Innovation Emerges From The Madness of War

Perhaps ironically, many of the modern inventions we benefit from today came out of the fiery crucible of war. Everything from penicillin and streptomycin to synthetic rubber and synthetic industrial lubricants, which are the topics of this article, was born during wartime. War is terrible, of course, but necessity also has a way of pushing the envelope of human ingenuity. Synthetic motor oils and fuels were first developed during WWII, partly to deal with supply shortages. 

From Wartime Necessity to Peacetime Use in Diesel Engines and Machinery

After WWII concluded, the United States entered a phase of unprecedented productivity and innovation. The mighty assembly lines and industrialization build-up that made America Europe’s armory wasn’t about to sit idle. Returning war vets wanted new cars and trucks. Americans wanted to open new businesses and expand existing ones. That fueled a push for innovation to help modernize the diesel engine, eventually leading to synthetic motor oil for diesel engines. 

More Durable & Efficient Diesel Engines Thanks to Synthetic Motor Oils

Synthetic diesel engine oils came first. What followed was several generations of diesel engines that benefited from these advances. Because synthetic oil has superior shear stability, manufacturers could build engines with tight tolerances. 

Synthetic diesel engine oil has higher lubricity, which reduces friction—-that in turn improves fuel economy and reduces wear. The advanced detergent properties of high-end diesel engine oils, like Shell Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Oil, protect diesel engines and turbochargers far better than the motor oils of the past. 

Mansfield Service Partners (MSP) is proud to be a Shell Lubricant Solutions Prestige Distributor. That means when you partner with MSP, you’ll always have full access to Shell’s best products at competitive prices, as well as our oil analysis services and top-notch synthetic lubricants selection. 

The Advantages of Synthetic Motor Oil in Modern Turbodiesel Engines

We’ve explained how synthetic motor oils were developed and why. We’ve talked about how synthetic oil and industrial lubricants help make today’s diesel engines more fuel-efficient, reduce wear, and protect turbochargers.

Let’s take a deeper look at what makes modern synthetic diesel engine oil so good at its job:

Superior Thermal Stability

• Why It Matters: Turbodiesel engines operate under intense heat due to higher compression ratios and turbocharging.
• Benefit: Synthetic oils resist thermal breakdown at high temperatures, maintaining optimal viscosity and protecting engine components from wear.

Enhanced Viscosity Index

• Why It Matters: Engines experience a wide range of temperatures, from cold starts to peak operating heat.
• Benefit: Synthetics have a stable viscosity across temperatures, ensuring smooth lubrication during cold starts and consistent protection when the engine is hot.

Advanced Detergent Properties

• Why It Matters: Diesel engines can produce contaminants, and EGR can make oil dirty faster.
• Benefit: Synthetic oils contain additives that keep the engine clean by preventing sludge and deposit formation, enhancing efficiency and longevity.

Reduced Volatility

• Why It Matters: Oil evaporation can lead to increased consumption and the need for frequent top-ups.
• Benefit: Synthetics have lower volatility, reducing oil burn-off and maintaining proper lubrication levels over time.

Improved Oxidation Resistance

• Why It Matters: Oxidation can thicken oil, reducing its effectiveness and leading to harmful deposits.
• Benefit: Synthetic oils resist oxidation, maintaining their protective qualities and extending oil life.

Excellent Shear Stability

• Why It Matters: High-pressure points in the engine can cause oil molecules to break down.
• Benefit: Synthetics maintain their molecular integrity under stress, ensuring consistent lubrication and protection.

Better Fuel Efficiency

• Why It Matters: Friction between engine parts affects efficiency.
• Benefit: Synthetic oils reduce friction more effectively, which can lead to improved fuel economy over time.

Protection Against Turbocharger Deposits

• Why It Matters: Turbochargers can suffer from oil coking—deposits that form when oil breaks down at high temperatures.
• Benefit: Synthetics withstand turbocharger heat, preventing deposit formation that can impair performance.

Extended Drain Intervals

• Why It Matters: Frequent oil changes are time-consuming and add to maintenance costs.
• Benefit: Synthetic oils last longer before breaking down, allowing more time between oil changes without compromising engine health.

Mansfield Service Partners: America’s Diesel Fuel Supplier Since 1932

Since 1932, Mansfield Service Partners has been a dependable fuel, lubricants, and services provider. Our mission is to keep American businesses firing on all cylinders. Our competitive industry only achieves longevity by consistently delivering exceptional results.

Mansfield Service Partners manages almost everything related to diesel fuel, lubricants, and a range of relevant services for your business.

Contact Mansfield Service Partners for your business today. Reach us at (800) 683-1331 or email any inquiries to info@mansfield.energy